HSA Warns Consumers About 3 Products

The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) sent out an alert to warn the public not to purchase or consume three adulterated products that are found to contain potent medicinal ingredients, which can cause adverse effects. The three products are:

The products were sold on local e-commerce (Carousell, Lazada, Shopee and Qoo10) and social media platforms (Facebook and Instagram). HSA has worked with the platform administrators to remove the affected listings and issued warnings to the sellers.

High levels of erectile dysfunction medicine detected in ‘candies’

Officers from the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) alerted HSA to ‘Miracle Gold Candy’ after detecting imports of the product, while a member of the public alerted ‘C4 Candy’ to HSA after suspecting that the product could be adulterated.

Both products were packaged as candies and marketed for sexual enhancement in men. The products’ labels carried exaggerated claims which are not expected to be present in candy products, such as “increase the strength and health of men” for ‘Miracle Gold Candy’, and “prevent premature ejaculation” and “help those with gout, diabetes and high blood pressure” for ‘C4 Candy’. Both products were tested by HSA to contain tadalafil, a prescription medicine used to treat erectile dysfunction. Notably, ‘Miracle Gold Candy’ contained up to over 30 times the usual daily dose of tadalafil. This can increase the risk of stroke and heart attack significantly.

Weight loss claims on product raised consumer’s suspicion

HSA received feedback from a consumer who suspected that ‘Coco Hotz Cocoa Drink’ could be an adulterated product due to its claims. ‘Coco Hotz Cocoa Drink’ was touted for slimming with claims such as “burn fat quickly” and “control appetite”. The product was tested by HSA and found to contain dexamethasone, a potent steroid. Long-term unsupervised use of steroids can cause serious adverse effects including increased blood glucose levels (which may lead to diabetes) and Cushing’s syndrome (a round face or ‘moon face’ appearance and upper body obesity with thin limbs and other associated medical conditions such as hypertension).

Advisory to consumers

• Stop taking ‘C4 Candy’ and ‘Miracle Gold Candy’ immediately and consult a doctor if you feel unwell or are concerned about your health
• See a doctor as soon as possible if you have taken ‘Coco Hotz Cocoa Drink’ as it contains a potent steroid. Discontinuation of steroids without proper medical supervision can cause serious withdrawal symptoms such as fatigue, confusion and low blood pressure.
• Be wary of products that carry exaggerated claims or deliver potent ingredients that can seriously harm your health.
• Exercise caution when buying such products online or from well-meaning friends. You cannot be certain where and how these products were made.

Members of the public who have any information on the sale and supply of the illegal products may contact HSA’s Enforcement Branch at +65 6866 3485 during office hours (Mon to Fri) or email [email protected].

Images: HSA